Prostitution is more widespread than ever. If you have a charge against you, contact Bottari & Doyle Law Firm in Palm Beach County at 561-588-2781. These sites make it easy for both the prostitute and the “John” to meet. However, police actively target prostitutes who post ads. Police officers often pose as a “Johns” to lure prostitutes into agreeing to perform a sexual act for money. An arrest, charge or conviction for prostitution can be very damaging to a person’s life.

Definition of Prostitution

Florida Statute 796.07(2)(e) states, “It is unlawful to offer to commit, or to commit, or to engage in, prostitution, lewdness or assignation.” Prostitution means, “the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses.” Lewdness means, “any indecent or obscene act.” Assignation means, “the making of any appointment or engagement for prostitution or lewdness, or any act in furtherance of such appointment or engagement.”

Penalties for Prostitution

A first conviction for prostitution is a second degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months of probation, 60 days in jail as a condition of probation, and a $500 fine.

A second conviction for prostitution is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year of probation, one year in jail as a condition of probation, and a $1,000 fine.

A third or subsequent conviction for prostitution is a third degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years of probation, 5 years in prison as a condition of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

Police Stings

The police commonly conduct sting operations to arrest prostitutes. Police set up fake online advertisements to entice prostitutes, infiltrate massage parlors and other areas known for prostitution. The police are usually equipped with audio recording devices. The audio recordings are then turned over to the state attorney’s office after an arrest.

Contact Us

If you have been arrested or charged with prostitution in Broward County, Palm Beach County, or Martin County, contact a
Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from Bottari & Doyle at (561)-588-2711 for a free consultation.